Even amid concerns that the NFL’s 2021 salary cap could take a big hit due to... 2. Oh, and Garrett is thriving in the sack department, as well, posting a league-leading five in four games. Even in a loss, Kittle was outstanding. Chiefs; 3. There’s been some brutal quarterback play in those first two weeks. The Bills pick up their first playoff win in 25 years, and Ben Roethlisberger moves to 2-0 over Philip Rivers in the postseason. Davante Adams +10000. 49ers; 3. They will be the fringe contender that seizes the No. Nick Shook uses Next Gen Stats to identify one unsung hero on each AFC team.Â. Brady is in this space because, despite rumblings of a gradual decline, he's actually trending in the opposite direction, improving his passer rating each week, going from 78.4 in Week 1 all the way up to 117 on Sunday. Seeing how we’ve started a series on 2020 NFL MVP candidates, we thought it’d be fun to pit them against each other in a no holds barred BATTLE ROYALE (step aside Fortnite). If you like this post, please feel free to subscribe to the Sports Teller website for daily/weekly post updates! The No. Cleveland leads the NFL in expected rushing yards (479) and, thanks to the play of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, has gained 250 yards over expectation through four weeks. With the 256 regular-season games of the 2020 NFL season in the books, this seemed like a good day to file my awards ballot. Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry has firmly planted himself into the NFL Most Valuable Player conversation … If you like this post, please feel free to subscribe to the Sports Teller website for daily/weekly post updates! However, the Bucs are gambling with their big swing for Brady. Patrick Mahomes, the 2018 MVP and reigning Super Bowl MVP… Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys. It is quite a journey between these floors. His case in a nutshell. But DeAndre Hopkins and Kyler Murray have not shared the field much. The MVP candidates for the NFL 2020 season. The 2020 NFL regular season is just 36 percent complete, but we’re monitoring the league’s top MVP candidates. Shades of Joe Montana moving into John Elway's division 27 years ago, the NFL schedule contains two Tom Brady-Drew Brees matchups. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. With this shift has come an increase in expected completion percentage, from 60.5 percent as a rookie (the third-lowest mark in the league) to 67 percent in 2020. Aaron Rodgers was voted the 2020 NFL MVP, beating off competition from Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and a host of other candidates. Nick Shook explores the top 10 candidates for this illustrious individual honor. According to FanDuel, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the new favorite to capture 2020 MVP honors. 2020 contenders: With the 2020-2021 regular season over, the MVP award is all but assured to go to Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers at the early February NFL Honors ceremony. Teller has gone from replacement-level guard sharing snaps with Eric Kush in Cleveland last season to one of the NFL's best in a short amount of time, and it's a big reason why the Browns are both 3-1 and own the best rushing offense in the NFL. He's also the best in the NFL in total disruptions -- the combined total of hurries, pressures or sacks (one per play) -- with 28, nine more than the next closest defender. Best RG in football through the first quarter of the year. Top 2020 NFL MVP candidates Vincent Frank, Sportsnaut 9/24/2020. Philip Rivers rebounding at age 39 will cinch up the award for Reich, who is on his third starting passer in three Indianapolis seasons. Where do Clyde Edwards-Helaire's Chiefs sit? December 4, 2020. Look, no one will ever vote for a guard to be MVP, so Wyatt Teller isn't winning this award. The last non-quarterback to win the award was Adrian Peterson back in 2012. Titans; 7. The 2008 Patriots won 11 games but missed the playoffs. Counting on a 38-year-old head coach with barely one season of play-calling experience for adult-in-the-room status -- after a pandemic-redefined offseason -- is on-brand Browns. Garrett has forced multiple turnovers as a result of pressure in consecutive games this season, causing three in Week 3 against Washington and two more in Week 4 against Dallas. No one has a stronger case for MVP than the ninth-year quarterback. Seahawks fans wanted Pete Carroll to Let Russ Cook, and Wilson is putting Salt Bae to shame with his play in the first month of the season. Aaron Donald has been on MVP lists for the last few years, and he's here again for the same reasons. NFL footage © NFL Productions LLC. Wilson is the leading MVP candidate after a month of action, but Rodgers is hot on his tail. Expect the freak athlete to follow ex-Buckeye teammate Nick Bosa in claiming this award. The centerpieces of the Bills' homegrown nucleus were not alive when the franchise last won a division championship. Allen's deep passes have dropped in frequency, as well; in 2018, 18.1 percent of his attempts were deep, compared to just 10.1 percent this season. MVP. If the show is held, it will be February 6 of 2021 from Tampa Bay — one day before Super Bowl LV. Kittle also recorded his ninth career game of 100-plus receiving yards, tied for the third-most 100-yard games by a tight end in his first 50 career games since 1970. Despite losing All-Pro Travis Frederick and Pro Bowler Byron Jones, the Cowboys are in a stronger position. We just told you how a 2020 NFL MVP run could impact the value of Deshaun Watson rookie cards. When we covered Myles Garrett's impact as a disruptor above, we mentioned how he owns a nine-disruption lead over the next-closest defender. Always free! Over the past two weeks, though, he's shifting back to doing what he does best: going downfield. NFL Network's Marc Ross shares why the New York Jets should draft BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. Young registered 16.5 in 12 games last season. He's accomplishing this by cutting down on his risks and targeting the open man. Buffalo sports an intriguing, retooled defensive line rotation, and Stefon Diggs is a top-three NFL route runner. And he's firmly in the MVP discussion as a result. December 5, 2020 7:21 am. Father Time spares no one -- but he might fear Tom Brady. The last time Rodgers threw 12 or more passing touchdowns through Week 4, he won MVP (2011). All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. This is last year’s article. Garrett is causing problems for opposing offenses even when he's not sacking the quarterback, as evidenced by his six turnovers caused on pressures this season (per Next Gen Stats). Mahomes is holding onto the ball longer but getting pressured less, an unlikely pairing of results that has seen Kansas City hit the big play more often. He's as reliable as they come at the position and instantly transforms San Francisco's offense, even with backups throwing him the ball. According to Next Gen Stats, on tight-window targets, Brady is exceeding his personal bests since the NGS era began in 2016 in completion percentage (from 36.8 to 50), yards per attempt (4.8 to 9.7), passer rating (73.5 to 117.3) and completion percentage over expectation (from +0.6 percent to +9 percent). Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs. 32 overall pick will play for the NFL's premier play-caller and its best quarterback; the Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes tandem will turn the LSU product into an instant success. Washington's five first-round D-linemen remind of San Francisco's setup, and this talent collection will allow Young easier paths to quarterbacks. With more ways to vex defenses than Lamar Jackson possesses, Mahomes is poised to match Kurt Warner by winning two MVPs in his first three QB1 seasons. That's the second-longest such streak of any team since 1940, behind only Tom Brady's 2010 Patriots, who accomplished the feat in seven straight games. They also face the NFL's toughest schedule. Each of the last three quarterbacks to throw for 14 or more touchdowns in their first four games won the MVP award in that season: Manning, Patrick Mahomes (2018) and Kurt Warner (1999). T.J. Watt has registered 27.5 sacks and forced 14 fumbles over the past two seasons, and the Steelers franchise-tagged Bud Dupree to keep Watt's wingman around. However, there’s also been some standout signal-callers making major noise. We’re monitoring the NFL’s top Most Valuable Player candidates on a weekly basis. That's where Donald, who is tied with Shaquil Barrett at 19 disruptions, comes into play. NFL Week 3 locks: No Christian McCaffrey, no chance for Panthers against Chargers. Saints; 2. The quarterback has shortened his attempts, going from 11 air yards per pass as a rookie to 8 in 2020, and he's targeting open receivers on 51.4 percent of his attempts, well above his rookie-year mark of 39.7 percent. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Now in his third year as a starter, Mahomes has the NFL's best set of weapons and the league's premier offensive architect. Cowboys; 4. That list could soon grow to six. Although Sean Payton's team has endured some of the NFL's most crushing playoff defeats in NFL history over the past 10 years, the deeper Saints -- whose offensive line houses three Pro Bowlers and an emerging standout in center Erik McCoy -- move past the Cowboys and into their second Super Bowl. No one has a stronger case for MVP than the ninth-year quarterback. 2020 NFL MVP Candidates Football Cards NFL Rookie Card Rookie Cards. Heading into Week 3, we check in on the top NFL MVP candidates of 2020 with an obvious name at the top. I'll pick my top three candidates for … Right now, the Browns are expected to gain 3.8 yards per carry and are getting 5.8 per tote, and Cleveland running backs have scored seven rushing touchdowns (tied with Minnesota running backs for the league lead). 2020 NFL MVP watch: Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers are close favorites, but don't count Josh Allen out Our panel of voters reassessed the … NFL 2020 MVP tracker entering Week 13. But losing operations still have winning individual efforts. QB Drew Lock, Denver Broncos. So while on the topic, let’s shift gears to another 2020 MVP contender and take a look at some Cam Newton rookie card options. Emailed daily. Nick Shook uses Next Gen Stats to identify one unsung hero on each NFC team.Â, The Bills' Cole Beasley and the Browns' Rashard Higgins might not be stars, but they played like studs in 2020. No offense in the Super Bowl era has produced as many yards through the first four games of a season as Dallas has (2,038). He's on track to do that in 2020, and he might just find himself receiving some MVP consideration if the 3-1 Browns keep up their winning ways. Seeds: 1. Tom Brady +25000 to shame with his play in the first month of the season. Andy Reid will have options at his disposal he did not have in 2018 or '19, with his 24-year-old superstar having proven himself through two full seasons and on the biggest of stages. His 1,424 passing yards in Weeks 2-4 are the most in a three-game span in league history, clearing the previous mark set in 2011 by Tom Brady by nearly 100 yards. But Dallas' troubles have not been the fault of the quarterback. NFL By Brad Gagnon on December 4, 2020 December 4, 2020 We’re monitoring the NFL’s top Most Valuable Player candidates on a weekly basis. Patrick Mahomes: 31 points (7 seconds, 1 third) 3. Odds: 75-1. We are now two full weeks through the 2020 NFL season. If that continues to be a problem, the team's fortunes might remove Dak Prescott from this conversation. 17 in QBR from 2018-19 can be attributed to shaky Patriots weaponry. Customize your email to get the latest news on your favorite sports, teams and schools. Dak Prescott, however, outplays Jimmy Garoppolo a week later to give Dallas its first NFC championship game berth in 25 years. The coronavirus-altered landscape points to running backs having an easier time hitting their professional stride by comparison, and none is in better position than Edwards-Helaire. The NFL has thus far navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and is less than a week away from Week 1. 2020 stats: 1,257 rushing yards, 12 TDs in 11 games Odds to win MVP: +4000 Once again, Henry is leading the NFL in rushing with 1,257 yards and is averaging 114.3 rushing yards per game. Since turning 41, Brady has 11 games of three-plus passing touchdowns, obliterating the previous mark set by Warren Moon and George Blanda, who each had two. The Chiefs' low-level investments at cornerback do not cost them against the run-reliant Ravens, who are more dependent on a certain game script than the other AFC powerhouse. With some help from Next Gen Stats, Nick Shook ranks the top 10 defenses in the NFL this season. Teller has played a large role in this, effectively handling single rushers and picking up blitzes with little trouble. Did Myles Garrett and Roquan Smith make the cut on defense? Here’s a look at the 10 players best aligned for MVP … He also became the oldest to throw touchdowns to five different players in a single game, a record previously owned by Drew Brees. If the Cardinals can make good on their sleeper label, this NFC West iteration could be historically good. No need to separate an offensive player of the year, because Mahomes is positioned to approach or surpass his stunning 2018 season. Nick Shook eyes 10 players in line to earn their first Pro Bowl nods -- including Seahawks WR DK Metcalf and Bills QB Josh Allen.Â. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: This former first-round pick won the award as a sophomore last … Wilson has 250-plus passing yards and two or more passing touchdowns in each of his four games this season, tying the longest such streak of his career (Weeks 11-14 in 2015). The Saints will also make the Bucs' push to play all postseason games in Tampa -- the site of Super Bowl LV -- quite dicey. 2020 NFL MVP Candidates Football Cards NFL Rookie Card Rookie Cards. Contents. This inspired Nick Shook to concoct a formula and rank the top 10 most aggressive head coaches in the NFL today.Â, James Bradberry helped hold down the Giants' defense, while Allen Robinson stood alone on the Bears' offense. But the third-year pro's improvement in his first season under the direction of offensive line coach Bill Callahan is undeniable. It also helps to play quarterback. It is OK to believe in the Browns this year. This year's Pats will need about everything to break their way to get to 11-5. NFL By Brad Gagnon on December 4, 2020. 7 seed in 2020's new playoff era. In Year 3, Josh Allen has continued to develop from a first-round pick with physical potential and accuracy issues into a playmaking signal-caller the likes of which Buffalo hasn't seen since the days of Jim Kelly. Rodgers is doing so by consistently finding the best option, targeting open receivers on 50.4 percent of his attempts, but he's also exceeding expectations in other areas. The only tight end to get there faster was Kellen Winslow, whose bronze bust resides in Canton's Pro Football Hall of Fame. 1 overall pick. Since the first two weeks, though, Patrick Mahomes has shifted back to the style of play that won him the 2018 NFL MVP and Super Bowl LIV MVP awards, increasing his time to throw rate from Weeks 1-2 to Weeks 3-4 by nearly four-tenths of a second and his air yards per attempt from 6.1 to 8. Buccaneers; 7. With a .438 opponents' win percentage (from 2019), the Ravens have the NFL's easiest schedule. Your NFL MVP favorite for a long, long time. At the center of the ascent: the youngest of the NFL Watts. He's set career highs through four games in nearly every significant category in the process: completion percentage (75.2), passing yards (1,285), yards per attempt (9.4), passing touchdowns (16) and passer rating (136.7). While there have been dozens of marquee performers in 2020, it takes consistency to rise above the rest. This is a rare opportunity for fans to savor the all-time greats' work. There’s a reason why it’s crucial for the Cowboys to … He added 2 more touchdowns and 133 yards in the playoffs. This group was Indianapolis' primary O-line in 2018. Nick Shook uses Next Gen Stats to assemble a 2020 All-Pro squad. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Precision is the name of Brady's advanced-age game. Unfortunately for them, the Cowboys are the only team in the top four of that historical category to own even a single loss. Where do Aaron Donald's Rams land? And which team claims the No. Now that the 2021 NFL Pro Bowl rosters have been revealed, Nick Shook identifies players who also deserved the honor. Adams has the reigning 2020 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers throwing to him. Sign up now ▸, Related slideshow: Predicting the division and award winners for the 2020 NFL season (Provided by Yardbarker), Video: NFL Week 3 locks: No Christian McCaffrey, no chance for Panthers against Chargers (For The Win), Palmer: Where new Broncos GM George Paton stands on Drew Lock, Marc Ross: Jets will get 'the best quarterback in the draft' in Zach Wilson, Marc Sessler's favorite player fits for AFC teams in free agency, Former NFL players speak out about race-based concussion damage assessment: Part 1, Palmer: Panthers, Broncos have 'wild-card' dynamic with pick Nos. Seahawks; 6. His passer rating has jumped from 79.3 in Weeks 1 and 2 to 116.5 in his last two outings, and he's posted a TD-to-INT ratio of 8:1 in the past fortnight. The Quenton Nelson-fronted quintet enters 2020 as Pro Football Focus' top line. If you were to look at the odds to win the MVP early on during the preseason, there is always one or two names that people pay little attention to. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Damond Talbot; May 26, 2020. NFL MVP watch 2020: Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes ... or someone else? It would not be surprising if three NFC West teams made the playoffs, but the 49ers should have enough to secure the "home" playoff game. Ravens; 2. Bills; 4. Here’s a look at 10 dark horses for the 2020 MVP honors. He also made a little history for himself, reaching 3,000 receiving yards in his 47th game, tying Rob Gronkowski as the second-fastest tight end to do so since the 1970 merger. Brady won MVP that season. Roethlisberger may have four starter-caliber receivers, with second round size-speed freak Chase Claypool added to the mix, and Eric Ebron to target. Subscribe to Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the most comprehensive newsletter in sports. The only other player to do that in the Next Gen Stats era is Barrett, who did so last campaign. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Email NFL Network's Marc Sessler's favorite player fits for AFC teams in free agency. Despite the Bills' superior defense, Josh Allen cannot keep pace with Patrick Mahomes in Round 2. According to Next Gen Stats, Prescott has completed 39 of 64 attempts of 10-plus air yards, gaining 843 yards, scoring seven touchdowns and posting a passer rating of 134.9, while only throwing one interception. by. Brees' team has fewer questions, featuring the longest-running QB-head coach tandem -- with he and Sean Payton replacing Brady and Bill Belichick -- and possessing few noticeable weaknesses. The onus is … July 31, 2020. Kittle will struggle mightily to receive MVP attention, considering the nature of his position, but his value as both a pass-catcher and a blocker has been well-documented. Jevon Kearse's 14.5 sacks in 1999 represent the standard for rookie sack artists. Armed with a layered passing attack -- and reliable tackles in Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher -- the Chiefs move to their fourth Super Bowl. NFL MVP Odds 2019-2020: Lamar Jackson the Favorite. Best Cam Newton Rookie Card Investment Options. Somewhat quietly, the Steelers have led the NFL in sacks in each of the past three seasons. The Cowboys aren't quite "The Greatest Show on Turf," but Prescott is the greatest performer in the NFC East and beyond, even if the wins haven't come yet. 2020 NFL MVP Predictions Round Robin. 1 spot? The 2018 passing leader will do enough to reposition the Steelers as contenders and win this award. For the first time in his career, Allen owns a positive completion percentage over expectation of +4.0, a significant improvement over his rookie-year rate of -7.7 percent, which was the lowest among qualified quarterbacks. Ranking the top 5 NFL MVP candidates for 2020 season 1. The recent NFL draft was the initial spark for numerous debates regarding the upcoming season. Teller is Pro Football Focus' highest-rated guard in terms of offensive grade (94.1), which has been heavily influenced by his league-best run-blocking grade (93.7). The Packers lead all teams with five representatives, including Aaron Rodgers. This video from Establish The Run's Brandon Thorn displays precisely how well Teller has handled pressure from multiple angles: Wyatt Teller has been a straight up monster this season.